Graves said, You want to leave Krondor?
The boy said, If youll take me. Theres a war on, for truth, and Im the last of my band alive. If the Upright Man is dead, all bets are off. You know the rules. If the Upright Man isnt here, its every man for himself and make what deal you can.
Graves nodded. I know the rules. His voice lacked the rough, commanding edge Limm had come to know as a boy in the Mockers, when Graves was first among the bashers. Still, Graves had saved Limm several times, from freebooting thugs and the Princes men alike. Limm would do whatever Graves said.
After a moment of reflection, Graves spoke. You stay here, boy. No one in the Guild knows youve helped Kat and me, and the truth is, Im fond of you. You were always a good lad, as far as that goes. Too full of yourself, but what boy isnt at times? He shook his head in regret. Out there itll be every hand against us Mockers, Princes men, or the Crawlers. Ive got a few friends left, but if the blood is running in the sewers, who knows how long I can count on them?
But everyone else thinks youve escaped! objected Limm. Just me and Jackie knew, cause you told us so we could fetch you food. Those notes you sent out, to the Temple, and some of your friends, to that magician you travelled with He waved his hand as if trying to recall the name.
Owyn, Graves supplied.
Owyn, repeated Limm. Word spread through the city youd fled to Kesh. I know at least a dozen bashers were sent outside the walls to track you down.
Graves nodded. And an equal number of monks from the Temple, too, I warrant. He sighed. That was the plan. Lie low here while they looked for us out there.
Kat, who had remained silent throughout, said, It was a good plan, Graves.
Limm nodded.
Graves said, I figured another week or ten days, and theyd come back, each thinking some other had just missed sight of us, then wed walk down to the docks one night, get on a ship, and sail off to Durbin, just another merchant and his daughter.
Wife! said Kat, angrily.
Limm grinned.
Graves shrugged and spread his hands in a sign of surrender. Young wife, he said.
She put her arms around his neck and said, Wife, softly.
Limm said, Well, you play the parts well enough, but right now getting to the docks is no small order. He glanced around the cellar. What about just going out the door, up there? He pointed to the ceiling.
Graves said, Sealed off. Thats why I built this place as a hideout. The building upstairs is abandoned, roof beams collapsed. The man who owned it died, so it belongs to the Prince for back taxes. Fixing up old buildings is not very high on the Princes list of things to do, it seems.
Limm nodded in approval of the scheme. Well, how long do you think we should stay?
You, said Graves, rising, are staying in the Kingdom. Youre young enough to make something of yourself, boy. Get off the dodgy path and find a master. Apprentice in a craft or become a serving man.
Honest work? said Limm, as he jumped to his feet. When did a Mocker seek honest work?
Graves pointed a finger at him. Jimmy did.
Jimmy the Hand, agreed Kat. He found honest work.
He saved the Princes life! objected Limm. He was made a member of the court. And theres a death mark on his head! He couldnt return to the Mockers if he begged.
Graves said, If the Upright Man is dead, that mark is erased.
Softly Limm asked, What should I do?
Graves said, Lie low for a while, until things get quiet, then leave the city. Theres a man named Tuscobar, once a trader from Rodez. He has a shop in a town called Biscart, two days fast walk up the coast. He owes me a favour. He also has no sons, so there is no one to apprentice for him. Go there and ask him to take you to service. If he objects, just tell him Graves clears all debts if you do this. Hell understand what it means.
What does he do? asked Limm.
He sells cloth. He makes a good living, as he sells to nobles for their daughters.
Limms expression showed he was less than taken with the notion. Id rather go to Durbin and take my chances with you. What are you going to do there?
Turn honest, said Graves. I have some gold. Kat and I are going to open an inn.
An inn, said Limm, his eyes alight. I like inns. He got down on his knees in an overly dramatic pleading. Let me come! Please! I can do many things in an inn. I can tend fires, and show customers to their rooms. I can haul water and I can mark the best purses for cutting.
An honest inn, said Graves.
Some of the enthusiasm left Limms expression. In Durbin? Well, if you say so.
Kat said, Were going to have a baby. We want him to grow up honest.
Limm was speechless. He sat in wide-eyed astonishment. Finally, he said, A baby? Are you daft?
Graves exhibited a wry smile and Kats brown eyes narrowed as she said, Whats daft about a baby?
Limm said, Nothing, I guess, if youre a farmer or a baker or someone who can expect a fair chance at living to old age. But for a Mocker He let the thought go unfinished.
Graves said, Whats the clock? Weve been cut off from sunlight so long I have no sense of it.
Its nearly midnight, said Limm. Why?
With the Upright Man dead, or even just the rumour of it, things will be happening. Ships that would otherwise have stayed in Krondor will be leaving the docks before the morning tide.
Limm fixed Graves with a questioning look. You know something?
Graves stood up from the small chair and said, I know lots of things, boy.
Limm jumped to his feet. Please take me with you. Youre the only friends Ive got, and if the Upright Mans dead, who knows wholl come to rule in his place. If its that Crawler, most of us are dead anyway, and even if its one of our own, whos to say what my life is worth?
Graves and Kat understood. The peace within the Mockers was imposed from the top down, and it would never be mistaken for friendship. Old grudges would surface and old scores would be settled. More than one Mocker would die not knowing for which past transgression he was paying the ultimate penalty. Graves sighed in resignation. Very well. Not much for you here, Ill grant, and another pair of eyes and nimble fingers might prove worthwhile. He glanced at Kat, who nodded silently.
Whats the plan?
We need to be at the docks before the dawn. Theres a ship there, a Quegan trader, the Stella Maris. The captain is an old business acquaintance of mine. He was lying low, claiming a refit was needed, against the time when we could smuggle ourselves out of here. Hell sail for Durbin as soon as we board.
Kat said, Lots of ships will be leaving on the morning tide, so another wont cause too much notice.
Limm look excited. When do we head to the docks?
An hour before dawn. Itll still be dark enough for us to stay in shadows, but enough of the town will be awake and about so we wont attract much attention.
Kat smiled. Well be a family.
Limms narrow young face took on a sour expression. Mother?